PKR MP Maszlee Malik has called a probe into him for alleged graft an attempt to discredit him ahead of the Johor elections.

“I have read news reports yesterday about corruption allegations involving me and I strongly deny them

“This is character assassination done purposely to tarnish my image as Johor enters elections.

“I welcome any sort of investigation as I have nothing to hide,” said the Simpang Renggam lawmaker, who is expected to play a big role in PKR’s election campaign in the southernmost state.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission announced yesterday that it was investigating two reports against Maszlee, but did not reveal the details of the complaints about the former education minister.

“MACC would like to emphasise that an investigation (into Maszlee) is carried out following an official complaint regarding an alleged corruption case,” said the anti-graft agency in a statement yesterday.

“Each investigation is conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures by interviewing witnesses.”

The agency denied that it had tried to intimidate Maszlee’s officers as claimed the PKR lawmaker had claimed.

Maszlee had said that MACC personnel was acting in retaliation to his calls for a probe into the agency’s chief, Azam Baki.

He said anti-graft personnel went to his service centre in Simpang Renggam, Johor, and questioned his officers about programmes Maszlee office had organised for his constituency.
 
Maszlee was summoned by police yesterday over a protest held outside Parliament on January 20, which called for Azam to be suspended.

The Star reported that Maszlee was under investigation for alleged corrupt practices during his term as education minister. – January 31, 2022.